Hour 3: The List & The Pro Bowl

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg"
Episode: Hour 3: The List & The Pro Bowl
Release Date: January 29, 2025

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1. Opening Remarks and Bobbleheads Exchange (00:02 – 07:34)

The episode begins with a lighthearted exchange between the hosts Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg regarding custom bobbleheads sent by a listener, Anthony Ooks Jones. The trio humorously critiques the likeness of each figurine, pointing out inaccuracies and sharing laughs over their exaggerated features.

• Alan Hahn (01:03): "Books Jones sent what is supposed to be bobbleheads, although I'm told the heads don't bobble."
• Peter Rosenberg (02:30): "But I just think that might just be the way that the figures were made."

This segment sets a jovial tone, showcasing the camaraderie and playful banter among the hosts.

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2. Hal Steinbrenner’s Comments on MLB and Salary Caps (09:00 – 15:17)

The conversation shifts to a critical analysis of recent comments made by Hal Steinbrenner of the New York Yankees. Alan Hahn expresses frustration over Steinbrenner’s remarks regarding the Los Angeles Dodgers and the broader implications for Major League Baseball (MLB).

• Alan Hahn (09:00): "Don Han Rosenberg, 880 ESPN and the ESPN New York app...what was the name again? Anthony. Who sent it?"
• Alan Hahn (10:15): "That's what they were and it feels like that's not what they want to be anymore."

Key Points Discussed:

• Shift in Financial Strategy: Steinbrenner’s apparent alignment with mid-market teams rather than maintaining the Yankees' traditional big-market, high-spending approach.

  • Peter Rosenberg (12:25): "Baseball does have a haves and haves not problem again. And the only way to correct it is to get up."

• Potential Move Towards Salary Caps: Speculation that MLB might consider implementing salary caps similar to other major sports leagues like the NBA and NFL to address financial disparities between teams.

  • Peter Rosenberg (13:39): "If baseball had a salary cap, the Yankees would benefit exponentially more than any other team would."

• Impact on Teams and Players: Discussion on how such financial regulations could level the playing field, benefiting both teams and the Players Association by ensuring a minimum payroll for all franchises.

  • Alan Hahn (15:17): "Even if it's the right thing, it's not dope for the fans."

Notable Quote with Attribution and Timestamp:

• Alan Hahn (10:15): "That's what they were and it feels like that's not what they want to be anymore."

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3. Don LaGreca’s Top Five Quarterbacks List (23:00 – 33:27)

Don LaGreca introduces his personal list of the top five quarterbacks heading into the upcoming NFL season. This segment sparks an in-depth debate among the hosts about the rankings and the criteria used.

Don LaGreca’s Top Five Quarterbacks:

1. Joe Burrow
2. Lamar Jackson
3. Patrick Mahomes
4. Josh Allen
5. Jaden Daniels

Key Discussion Points:

• Patrick Mahomes’ Ranking Controversy: Peter Rosenberg and Alan Hahn challenge Don’s placement of Mahomes at number three, arguing that Mahomes should be at the top due to his exceptional performance and influence on the Kansas City Chiefs' success.

  • Don LaGreca (27:04): "Guys, I know this sounds nuts because we're talking About a three. Pete, I have Patrick Mahomes as number three of your best quarterbacks in the NFL heading into next season."

  • Alan Hahn (29:21): "He doesn't play in a system. He is the system."

• Jaden Daniels’ Inclusion: The inclusion of rookie Jaden Daniels in the top five is met with skepticism. Peter and Alan express doubts about his consistency and whether he deserves a spot over more established quarterbacks.

  • Peter Rosenberg (27:06): "Jaden Daniels has been replaced by Baker Mayfield. Terry McLaurin is not in the Pro Bowl."

• Criteria for Rankings: The hosts debate whether the rankings should be based on individual talent, team performance, consistency, or the ability to impact games critically.

  • Don LaGreca (23:48): "This is not about who you would build your team with... it's about who are the five quarterbacks that when they're out there, they're the best ones on the field."

Notable Quotes:

• Don LaGreca (28:05): "Who you putting in over Daniels, who you'd be scared of as the starting quarterback next year?"

• Alan Hahn (30:28): "Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL. To not put him at number one, he's as a nine, as a 10, as 11, as a 12."

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4. Critique of the Pro Bowl (33:27 – 44:25)

The hosts express strong disapproval of the NFL Pro Bowl, criticizing its format, player selection, and perceived lack of competitiveness. They characterize it as a redundant and subpar event that fails to capture the essence of elite football.

Key Points Discussed:

• Flag Football Format: The switch to a flag football game diminishes the Pro Bowl's appeal, making it seem more like a casual exhibition than a showcase of top-tier talent.

  • Don LaGreca (37:01): "Peter, honestly, if I had... I am not watching live. He's pulling content. I'm not doing it."

• Player Selections and Replacements: Frustration over seemingly arbitrary selections and replacements, where deserving players are omitted while less impactful players are included.

  • Alan Hahn (40:23): "James Cook is real, is at least a real player."

• Event Redundancy: The Pro Bowl is viewed as losing its significance, comparing it unfavorably to other sports’ All-Star events that have evolved to maintain fan interest.

  • Peter Rosenberg (43:32): "It gets to that point now where it used to be a thing to see superstars playing on the same team because we never got to see that."

Proposed Solutions:

• Award Ceremony Alternative: Suggesting that the NFL should replace the Pro Bowl game with an award ceremony that honors the season's top performers without necessitating a game that lacks competitiveness.

  • Alan Hahn (44:03): "Every league now does this thing. The NHL was smart. You have make it a night, make it an event, and turn it into something like you would the Oscars."

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg (41:22): "There's tons of teams that are making like zero money. If you have a salary cap, guys, you then have a floor."

• Don LaGreca (44:07): "There's no way I'd watch it even if everybody played."

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5. Closing Discussions and Final Thoughts (44:25 – End)

The episode wraps up with final discussions on the Pro Bowl and its future, interspersed with humorous remarks and promotional segments. The hosts reiterate their dissatisfaction with the current format and advocate for meaningful changes to restore its relevance.

Key Points:

• Final Critique: Reinforcement of the Pro Bowl’s shortcomings and a call for restructuring how the NFL honors its top players.

  • Alan Hahn (45:53): "All our All Star Games have they kind of, as we like to say, jumped the shark?"

• Humorous Banter: The hosts maintain their engaging and humorous dynamic, ensuring the conversation remains lively despite critical topics.

  • Don LaGreca (40:42): "It's ridiculous."

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg (44:06): "Skills competition. At the end of the skills competition, you can have."

• Alan Hahn (46:24): "I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good."

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Conclusion

In this episode titled "The List & The Pro Bowl," Don LaGreca presents his rankings of the top five NFL quarterbacks, sparking a robust debate among the hosts about player evaluations and criteria. The conversation seamlessly transitions into a critical analysis of the Pro Bowl, where the hosts express a collective desire for the NFL to reevaluate and revamp its all-star event to better honor and showcase its top talent. Throughout the episode, the blend of sports analysis, personal opinions, and witty exchanges offers listeners both insightful commentary and entertaining discussions.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Don LaGreca (28:05): "Who you putting in over Daniels, who you'd be scared of as the starting quarterback next year?"

• Alan Hahn (30:28): "Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL. To not put him at number one, he's as a nine, as a 10, as 11, as a 12."

• Peter Rosenberg (41:22): "There's tons of teams that are making like zero money. If you have a salary cap, guys, you then have a floor."

• Don LaGreca (44:07): "There's no way I'd watch it even if everybody played."

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who haven't listened to it.

Transcript

[Don LaGreca]

What's the best time of day to get a deal? All day with Jack in the box's all day. Big deal meal. You get to choose from four entrees like the supreme croissant and five tasty sides, plus a drink starting at $5. So hurry in or take your time. You've got all day at Jack. Every bite's a big deal.

[Michael Kay]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Michael Kay]

Listen live weekday Afternoo starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers rolling into.

[Alan Hahn]

The big 5:00 hour. Don Han Rosenberg, 880 ESPN and the ESPN New York app, which you should have by now. 800-919-3776. So guys, I'm at the Garden. We're not in the studio today, but at the studio. And it was sent to Michael K. Which I don't know why is so what was the name again? Anthony. Who sent it. What was his name?

[Anthony]

Ooks Jones on Twitter.

[Alan Hahn]

Books Jones sent what is supposed to be bobbleheads, although I'm told the heads don't bobble. And it's just figurines of the three of us. And Don looks resplendent. I mean, he got the leather jacket. The hair is just perfect. Goatee, though, Don, where you're, you've gone beard now for a while, but that's okay. Peter looks like Pitbull.

[Don LaGreca]

I, I got a common too. A little, I look a little like common.

[Alan Hahn]

A little common. Yeah, a little common. I could do that. Yeah. I could take common.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Both good looking guys.

[Don LaGreca]

Thank you.

[Alan Hahn]

I, I, I don't know what I'm supposed to be, but it's definitely not Michael. It's clearly me and it's a tie I'd never wear. And I'm also remarkably short in this, so there's a lot going on here.

[Don LaGreca]

But it's the. Hold on. You're bearing the lead though. It does look pretty cool.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It does.

[Alan Hahn]

Does it? Because you look cool. Did you look at me?

[Don LaGreca]

Hold on, I'm looking again. I want to see how everybody, I.

[Alan Hahn]

Mean, the hair's all right.

[Don LaGreca]

All right, let me look again. All right. All right, hold on. All right, here's what Alan doesn't like. He doesn't. Okay. The ties, not great.

[Alan Hahn]

Ties, not good.

[Don LaGreca]

What he doesn't, it doesn't look like you at all. In the face. It looks the least like you of the three of us for sure.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

And what he. But, but Don, what he really doesn't like is that he's the same height as us.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I just think that might just be the way that the figures were made. I guess maybe whatever the template was, he didn't have a lot of abilities.

[Alan Hahn]

A 3D printer, you think?

[Peter Rosenberg]

What's that?

[Alan Hahn]

Is that what this was done on? A 3D printer, you think?

[Peter Rosenberg]

And it was probably off the same body type. Because if you look at the shirts, like, it's pretty much. The outfits are pretty much the same. Just a few little changes here and there. But if you look at the pants style, with the exception of the color, and the shirts are identical. So he was probably working from a template of a base for the bodies, then changed around the jackets and can change around the hair and the face. I think it looks fantastic. Listen, does Peter look like he had a lobotomy? Yes.

[Don LaGreca]

Wait, wait, wait.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But just look at the look on your face. If you've ever seen Planet of the Apes, the one astronaut, that one got killed. The other one, right. You know, they gave him a lobotomy. And that's kind of like. You look. You're zoned out.

[Don LaGreca]

I'm a little empty. I look empty.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I look like I'm. I don't know if I'm in the middle of a cackle or yelling at somebody.

[Don LaGreca]

You. You actually look like you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And. And quite frankly. And I think it fits our audience. Alan looks a little high, but.

[Don LaGreca]

He does. But you are handsome, Alan. It's not exactly.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, I. I think the way I've seen some. I know this is not bobblehead, but the way I've seen figures and bobbleheads, I think this is very, very good.

[Alan Hahn]

All right. In general, first of all, again, books. Thank you. Because you made the effort and we appreciate that. Love it, and all that stuff. I definitely, you know, I. I feel a certain way when I'm not represented properly because I. I, technically, I'm actually the shortest of the three here. You know, like, that's something I did notice. And that does. You know, look, I. Look, we all have one thing going for us. It's the only thing I got. Guys like, this is all I got.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Six.

[Alan Hahn]

Six. I got that. So let me have that.

[Don LaGreca]

That's so not true. I mean, if you were 5, 8, you'd still be a very handsome guy. That's already two things.

[Alan Hahn]

Don't take that in your way.

[Don LaGreca]

Sorry.

[Alan Hahn]

Very important.

[Don LaGreca]

That. That's just not true. Not true. Well, anyway, you're more. You're more than a tall drink of water.

[Alan Hahn]

We should. We should. We should make. We should make up like a bunch of these though, and they turn it into a thing. I can just see how many want. Want these. That's all. So.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But anyways.

[Alan Hahn]

But the last question I have is why did. Why did it get sent to Michael K.

[Anthony]

I believe it was. If I may, I believe it was actually sent to the Michael K. Show. Attention Don Lagreca. However, it was also sent to the old building somewhere along the way. Lost in Translation. The fact that got forwarded here is a minor miracle. Some of it is probably just like they put the only. The first name they saw and said, oh, we know where that goes. It goes to this building.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wait a minute. The old building. Oh, yeah.

[Anthony]

That medical building was very confused.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This guy is clairvoyant. Because think about it. He sent it to the Michael K. Show. The old building we haven't been in in four years. What he was doing was sending us a message that this will be the show in four years. We just happened to get it was. The show was already formed. I think he's clairvoyant.

[Anthony]

I don't think that happened.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, while the old building on West End. Yeah, that we. That was back in 2021.

[Anthony]

We haven't openly shared where we've moved. Really?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Anthony]

And people look it up. I think. I think it still shows West End is our building.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, that would make it more sense.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But he sent it to the Michael K. Show.

[Anthony]

Didn't send Attention Don Lagreca.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And probably Don. Because I'm the. I'm the most likely to acknowledge my mail fair. I think this guy is clairvoyant. I think he predicted four years ago. Was it Notre Damas? He's like. He's like, Notre Damas.

[Don LaGreca]

I think it's.

[Anthony]

Yeah, Nostradamus.

[Don LaGreca]

You got it. Nostradamus. Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What?

[Alan Hahn]

Nostra. Yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

Notre Damas is taking Notre Dame lost in the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I did not say Notre Damas.

[Don LaGreca]

I think you did play it back.

[Anthony]

I think you said Notre Damas.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nostradamus. Nostradamus.

[Don LaGreca]

No, there was no s. God.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, so I offended right now. First of all, the Notre Damas thing was like 20 years ago to the day.

[Anthony]

That's the address info as to how it was sent. It was sent.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Really? Most people don't even know what I'm talking about.

[Alan Hahn]

It's really funny though.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Most of the people listening that are like, why would the. Why would that movie about Dracula know like the. The history.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, no, Nostradamus is Nosferatu.

[Anthony]

Is the Nosferatu.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what I'm saying, I think most of the audience is probably thinking that's what I meant.

[Don LaGreca]

On board.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Peter, man, just lay out.

[Don LaGreca]

Hold on, hold on. Alice, did I do anything wrong here? I. I mean, I noticed something that was wrong and I pointed it out.

[Alan Hahn]

You said what I was thinking. That's what.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How did I go back?

[Don LaGreca]

Jacob, you're going to hear it and.

[Alan Hahn]

You'Re going to hear that Jacob never.

[Anthony]

Cuts anything that would implicate Don in the negative.

[Don LaGreca]

Here we go. Here we go. We got it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Was it notradamus? He's like. He's like notradamus.

[Don LaGreca]

I think you said it. You said it twice. Twice.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know what? If that makes me a bad talk show host to not know a guy.

[Don LaGreca]

Who said that, it's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's history. He meant Hitler. It's history. He was only one letter off.

[Anthony]

And we're back.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, man.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Screw that guy. Right? Compliment our listener that I believe I at least acknowledge it's on the table, that he might be clairvoyant. He sent it to a building we haven't been in in four years. Send it to the Michael K show. The only other thing is that actually Alan shouldn't be upset because that's actually. Michael K. Put me in an NBA game, all right? I would embarrass myself. I might die.

[Alan Hahn]

Then I'm not upset. If that's supposed to be Michael K. Then good on you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He looks great now. Because now you could see that he was riffing off of the photo shoot.

[Alan Hahn]

Photo. Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's why clearly this is something new. How it was sent to west, then West End.

[Anthony]

It's got. It's got the old FM signal on it too. I sent you guys what.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Where.

[Anthony]

Where it was sent. Like the actual address info lot going on there.

[Alan Hahn]

This is. This is probably somebody that has yes. On right now just waiting for the show to come on. And every day just waits for the show to come on and it just doesn't come on. Right. That's probably what this is. What's up. What this is all about.

[Don LaGreca]

Very.

[Alan Hahn]

Speaking of. Yes. Hal Steinbrenner. Sorry.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's just unbelievable that, like West End.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. You can't get over that, can you? The old studio. The funny thing is is that the studio that we're in now will be the old studio in a couple of weeks. Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Maybe. Should have sent this to Pen.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, well, talk about old, old studio. Anyways, just to reset on one of the big topic of the day that we were discussing. Again, speaking of. Yes. House Steinbrenner on The yes Network yesterday or last night. Hot Stove Report. Always a must watch. I had a quote that really stood out to a lot of people, including myself that are Yankees fans. The quote is about when talking about the Dodgers. It's difficult for most of us owners to be able to do the kinds of things they're doing. We'll see if it pays off. Most of us owners is something that feels like he is aligning himself more with the smaller markets or mid markets than he is. Is what the Yankees always used to be, which is the franchise in the big market that everybody was afraid of because could outspend you. And that is something that really does set me off as a fan. That's what they were and it feels like that's not what they want to be anymore.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And let's not. The, the, the other elephant in the room is if he's talking about the Dodgers, he's talking about the Mets. Now the Mets have not had the success the Dodgers have, but not really that far behind. Like you said, I don't want to be disrespectful, but that Covid title, come on, a 60 game season as opposed to 162 game season? All right, listen, they want it, they deserved it for that given year. But come on, otherwise we're talking about their first championship since 1988.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay?

[Peter Rosenberg]

And the Mets came within two games of going to the World Series. So if he's talking about the Dodgers, because as you said, him comparing them to the Chiefs is ridiculous. The Chiefs are going for a three. Pete, is that, is he also talking about Steve Cohen? So what do we do? So, and that's it? So are we saying that he feels threatened by Steve Cohen, that all of a sudden that it's the big bad Mets and what, they're, they're going to cry poverty because Cohen's got billions of dollars and the Dodgers seem to have a ton of wealth. Well, you do too. You choose not to be that. Own it.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, he is, but he's, he's doing this us thing as if like now all of a sudden they're a poverty franchise that has to be careful, has to watch every penny which we know at $300 million that's not who they are. So like the US thing, I don't understand. Aligning himself like you're supposed to be that franchise that everybody's afraid of that you know we're going to outspend you. We're going to get want because we can, we're going to take your player because we Can. And for the first time, someone took their player because they could.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now, how about my theory from earlier? Allan and Peter?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is he doing MLB's betting? MLB got to see that this is an issue and the Yankees are not nobody. So if Hal's saying like complaining about it, like so does that something to set up the cba that's coming to an end at the end of the 2025 season. You know, the owners would love to be able to get a salary cap. The NFL, NBA, NHL all have it and have thrived because of it. Is this just greasing the skids for. Hey, eventually we're going to have to come to a vote, guys. And are we all going to go out there and try to change the landscape of this? And the Yankees being on board is a big piece for, I would think Manfred, to convince all the other owners. Guys, are we willing to go to the mat for a salary cap? We've got the Yankees on board. You know, again, I don't know if they can get it because the Players association is so powerful, but if the Dodgers are a problem, and they are, even though we're complaining about how complaining about it because of the fact that Hal also has a ton of money, Baseball does have a haves and haves not problem again. And the only way to correct it is to get up. Why? How can baseball with a straight face say we don't need a salary cap when you see the NFL, the NBA and the NHL have it. The sports are thriving. And oh, by the way, quarterbacks are still making 50 plus million dollars a year. NBA players are making 40, 50 million dollars a year, some 60 million dollars a year. So exactly. Why would the Players association say no, no, no, no, we're above it. Meanwhile, you've got five regionals being propped up by Major League Baseball because they're hemorrhaging money. So television is not a panacea that it used to be for Major League Baseball. There's tons of teams that are making like zero money. If you have a salary cap, guys, you then have a floor. Which then means teams like the Marlins can't get by with a $32 million payroll. They're gonna have to start paying players money. Isn't that good for the Players Association?

[Alan Hahn]

Absolutely. It. Absolutely. Even if it's the right.

[Don LaGreca]

This is the thing though. Even if. Even if what Don saying is true and I think they're doing. And how's doing the bidding from Major League Baseball? It's again, still not dope for the fans. None of it for the Yankee fan.

[Alan Hahn]

Either way, it's not a different conversation. You're right, Peter. It's a different conversation because the. The fan emotion, the fan feeling of all this stuff is one story. But what Don's bringing up is a totally different thing. It's the motivation behind why Hal saying what he's saying. Because like I said, if I was a PR guy in that room while he's doing this interview and that and those words come out, I'm like, yeah, we're not running that. Like, take that out. We're not running that. Because I wouldn't want that. That to represent what my owner is saying now about our team. Is this, this. Oh, it's difficult for us. No, you're the Yankees. This should never be difficult. Right. So that's why when Don says what he says, that feels more like a motivation. And now it's like, because what? Think about this. If there was in a world where baseball suddenly has some sort of cap system, like the NBA has a soft cap, but this second apron is like acting like a hard cap. Teams do not want to go over this thing because it's. It's incredibly punitive. But if baseball had something along these lines where now everything was more in control, wouldn't the Yankees benefit exponentially more than any other team would? Because it's exactly what they want. They want to still have the allure of playing for the Yankees and wearing our jersey and the pinstripes and playing in New York City and we can print money, but now we don't have to worry about spending too much because we know every team has a limit.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That. And it just helps to have the Yankees be on board with that. Because you would think the Yankees would not be on board with that. I don't know how's a very smart guy and he wants to win. But ultimately, though, like we talked about earlier in the show, all these fans, we're the New York Yankees. Are you. Are you the Yankees that you think that the way you define the Yankees, is that the reality? What are the New York Yankees? Yankees that spend the most money? Well, they don't do that anymore. Yankees that win every year. Well, they don't win every year. They finish above.500. Give them credit for that. But, you know, one. One World Series appearance in the last 15 years does not reek of the old time Yankees, right. That tied the longest streak without appearing in a World Series when they played the Dodgers. Fifteen years in the history of the organization, that goes back to technically 1903. All right. So it's not the Yank. It's not the George Steinbrenner. Everybody gets fired. No, Boone's got a job for life. Cashman seems to have a job for life. I just don't think, whatever your definition is of the Yankees, it's not that anymore. Still great, still classy, still among the best sports franchises in North America, if not the world. But I don't think it's what you think it is anymore.

[Alan Hahn]

800-919-3776. Let's take Dan in South Pasadena on this. Hey, Dan.

[Caller Dan]

Hey, guys. Thanks for taking my call, Don. I'm a little hurt. I mean, I thought after we won in 2024, I'd stop hearing you, you know, take shots at our Covid championship, as you call it. But anyway, before. What was that?

[Alan Hahn]

Summer Camp championship.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what Alan called.

[Caller Dan]

Listen, we can argue all day about that, but you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But come be honest with me. I'll let you finish. You really felt even better about this year so that you could kind of put that to rest because, you know, it's a thing. It's one thing. It's one thing. When the NHL had a 48 game schedule, though, it's supposed to be 82, but when you have 60, as opposed to 160 to. The Marlins made the playoffs that year, for God's sakes.

[Caller Dan]

I think it did. When you look back at 2020 and some of the regular season numbers and stuff, there were. There are outliers that. That, you know, can be disregarded, but. But the playoffs were actually more difficult than usual. And if you look at the final four, it was Dodgers, Braves, Rays, Astros. So in my opinion, you know, we can go back and forth. I don't think the audience wants to hear that. I thought it was even more difficult title than 2020, but I. You're right. I mean, it was nice to put that to bit or more difficult than 24, but we can go back and.

[Caller]

Forth all day about that.

[Caller Dan]

I'm just joking around. Before I get to my question about the Yankees, I wanted to say, Peter, I know you seemed a little in your feelings about not being invited on a Michael K. Show, but. But I think I actually discovered irrefutable evidence that you guys won the breakup.

[Don LaGreca]

All right.

[Caller Dan]

And there are no Lupica Wednesdays on your show.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, okay.

[Don LaGreca]

Oh, wait, I won the breakup, you're saying because there's no lubricant.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Lubricant guy.

[Caller Dan]

There's no Lupica Wednesdays on your show. So you guys Won the breakup. I mean, not to happen.

[Don LaGreca]

Why. Why are you anti. Why are you anti Lupica? I. I enjoyed the Lupica Wednesdays. Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What's up?

[Caller Dan]

I know you did. You know what? There's. It just 30 minutes. It was a lot.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But anyway, listen, all right, you're entitled.

[Caller Dan]

To your opinion, but damn my Yankee question. If they find Bregman, how much do you think that changes the narrative if you add him on top of, you know, already acquiring Free Devin Williams? I didn't love the Bellinger and Goldsmith editions, but. But I'm curious, you know, for maybe. Alan, you're a Yankee fan and, and do you think Yankee fans would accept him? Because, you know, here in la, I mean, the Dodgers define him to a minimum deal, and I think 90 of fans wouldn't. Wouldn't want him because of. Of 17. But I'm kind of curious what you guys think the mood is among. Among Yankee fans with.

[Alan Hahn]

You're only loyal to your options, Stan. And, and, you know, the option at third is either going to be the Jazz has to play there and you got to figure somebody else at second, or, you know, lemayhue plays third, which we all know that, you know, he's good for three or four games and then something acts up with him. So Bregman being a, you know, an answer at a position that everybody's wondering, what is the answer? You know, no one's gonna love it because it's also a guy that's kind of past his prime, but can you get a year or two out of him? Great. But it's still. At least it fills a need. But you know, that, that there was a lot going on in that call, guys.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But he was, he was saying, like, changing, you know, the narrative. I think most Yankee fans have been happy with their off season, even, even by losing Soto. I. I've heard a lot of Yankee fans feel like maybe they're better off. They're able to fill other positions now. Certainly, I don't hate it if you're able to fill third base, you'd feel even better. But something's going on with Bregman, man. He's still out there. It's really strange. Tiger fans are wondering, when are we going to sign him? Even Met fans are like, wouldn't that kind of solve. Why would we have to, you know, if we're not going to bring Alonzo back, why are we going with kids at third base if we're going to move Vientos to first? So something's up there. So I kind of lean on, well, you know, what if all these teams aren't signing them, something's going on. But don't you feel like most Yankee fans have been happy with the offseason?

[Alan Hahn]

Yes, I think for the most part. And again, when it comes to somebody like a Bregman, it is short term. Yes. And if you're Bregman, you're waiting to see can I get, you know, a multi year, a larger multi year deal out of this so you can get that security that you're always looking for. I mean, that's always how this is going to play out. And so guys like him and Alonzo are probably not going to sign until we're right up against pitchers and catchers showing up down in Florida. That seems to be what you do. You just take it to the limit until you know, okay, I've got to take now the best option for me. And one of them might think that the Yankees are the best option for them. We certainly shall see.

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[Michael Kay]

The Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don LaGreca]

I didn't Listen to anything you just said.

[Michael Kay]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. This is the list with Don, Han and Rosenberg.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh yeah, Daddy, I got to hear this.

[Don LaGreca]

I, I, I hope everyone comes into it with an open, open mind. I've thought about it, I've done the work, looked at the stats, and here's where this is my list. Top five quarterbacks heading into next season. Now I want to add a slight caveat. This is not, I'm not overly waiting championships just so everyone's clear. I, and by that I mean you'll understand what I mean when I get there. I'm talking about this. You're playing the team on a given week next season. You are absolutely staying up all night concerned about who they have under center. Does that make sense?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, I like it.

[Don LaGreca]

I'm not, I'm not looking at where they're going to end up in history.

[Alan Hahn]

No, this is not about who would you build your team with and all that stuff. This is just one season next year. Who are the five quarterbacks that when they're out there, they're the best ones on the field.

[Don LaGreca]

I'm not talking about their coaches and coordinators and weapons. The guys. I'm talking about the guys.

[Alan Hahn]

Come on, let's go.

[Don LaGreca]

And, and number five on that list is the man they know as JD5, Jaden Daniels of my Washington Commanders. We can go over this. That's right. And we can go over this afterwards. I'm sure there'll be questions and we can argue it and talk about who else it could be. But I think in the end you'll end up with a classic Dom the Greco. Who you taking out? Or in this case, who you putting in? Who's actually gonna scare you on a Sunday more than Jaden Daniels? Besides the four I'm about to mention, number four is a guy who we all thought would get over the hump this year. A lot of us hoped he would. He still hasn't done it. But the bottom line is while he wasn't great enough to win in the AFC championship, the fact is they can lose. Stefon Diggs. It does not matter. No matter what you do. Josh Allen seems to have this team at a high level. It appears now the Bills will just be good as long as they have Josh Allen under center. I will make Josh Allen my number four best quarterback heading in to next season. And here's where the controversy begins. Number three. Guys, I know this sounds nuts because we're talking About a three. Pete, I have Patrick Mahomes as number three of your best quarterbacks in the NFL heading into next season. He is still absolutely Patrick Mahomes. And maybe I'm the only person who would see it this way, and maybe I'm a fool, but, Don, I trust my eyes when watching football. And while Mahomes is still absolutely special, so much about the Chiefs dominance now is beyond Patrick Mahomes. This is not a team that surely dominates because they're getting the best quarterback play in the NFL. He is absolutely a magician and he's the man. But next year, to me, he's number three. Number two again, good thing that we're excluding the playoffs because we are sitting here with more disappointment. But when you talk about scheming a defense on a game day, tell me there's more than two guys that could worry you more than Lamar Jackson. 40 touchdowns, over 40 touchdowns, four interceptions on the year. We talk about the running ability, but don't forget, while he doesn't have the best arm, he's not the prettiest passer. He's incredibly efficient. And that's what made that playoff game so shocking. Guys, during the regular season, the guy simply doesn't turn over the football. Lamar Jackson is number two. And you guys know I've had a man crush on this guy from a few years now. The season was bad. It had nothing to do with him. Over 40 touchdowns, again, under 10 interceptions, they seem to let him down in every single way. But Joe Cool is the man and in my opinion, the best quarterback in football. Don, you remember I've been saying this for a couple of years now. I have Joe Burrow as the best quarterback in the game. Five Jaden Daniels. Four Josh Allen. Three Patrick Mahomes. Two Lamar Jackson. And number one, Joe Cool. Joe Burrow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Interesting.

[Don LaGreca]

Oh, you D. You Michael K'd me after that?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, no. First of all, I don't do that. I'm complimenting the list and like, where to begin?

[Don LaGreca]

Okay. Yeah, take a second.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Breathe.

[Alan Hahn]

I was going to say, Don, where do you. Where do you want to. You know, where do you want to go?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, here. Here's where I'll go. I think there's a big drop off from 4 to 5. Can we all agree on that big drop?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because I can't do that. It's recency bias. He's a Rookie, so it's one year.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nine interceptions, 3,568 yards. I mean, listen, I'm not gonna. I'm not gonna Go there as far as saying that I would do it, you know. But Rogers threw for more yards through for more touchdown passes.

[Don LaGreca]

Rogers also couldn't win one, didn't have one game winning drive. This kid had five. You can't just look at those stats. You got to look at all the stats.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know, but you still got to. Part of being good. If you're going to say I'm going to put you in the top five is about consistency. And unfortunately for a rookie, it's very difficult to be able to listen because he.

[Don LaGreca]

So you're right. Your argument, your argument suggests that next year I could look like a joke if all of a sudden he takes a huge step back 100%. But I'm basing it on what I saw. And of course he's interesting because I saw every snap all year. Right. So it's a very deep, deep dive I did on him. But I'll tell you, but answer this though. Who you putting in over Daniels, who you'd be scared of as the starting quarterback next year?

[Alan Hahn]

Who is Matthew Stafford?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Matthew Stafford is still a. He's scared.

[Alan Hahn]

He's not dead. You know, he's still alive.

[Don LaGreca]

No, no, he's not dead. He's not dead. But he puts more fear into you right now to scheme for than. Than Daniels.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, yeah, I would say so. Now you guys, Daniel's getting again. It's only because there's a whole year of tape now I've got on him. CJ Stroud when he was a rookie, had everybody doing the same thing. Everybody was gaga about him as well and thought this guy's going to be amazing. Then they had some injuries and they've. And they've fallen back. They lost it to just twice. Okay, like, like this is. So this does happen. You do get the burst and that's good. But you cannot overreact. But I got a bigger problem with this list than just Jaden Daniels being on it. Don.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Alan Hahn]

He said, and I quote and I may be. And maybe I'm a fool, end quote. This is when he put Patrick Mahomes at number three on his list and claimed that the chief's success today has nothing to do with anything that he's doing now.

[Don LaGreca]

I did not.

[Alan Hahn]

Which is, which is. No, that's literally what you said. You said what his impact on their success is not what it was. That there's other things that there's other factors at hand that go on.

[Don LaGreca]

This guy is other factors.

[Alan Hahn]

He is. He doesn't play in a system. He is the system. Mahomes does everything for that offense. Everything that goes on is all based on his judgment. He's as close to what Aaron Rodgers was at his peak than anybody in the league. Meaning they run a play, but it doesn't mean that's really what's going to happen. He reads the field as well as anybody ever has. And his ability to run for a little waddly, little fat guy is incredible. His ability to see things open up. This guy has everything you possibly need to be a great quarterback in the NFL. And that's why he is the best quarterback in the NFL. To not put him at number one. He's as a nine, as a 10, as 11, as a 12.

[Don LaGreca]

No, he also threw for 240 yards in one TD in this game. Steve Spagnola was more responsible for the win on Sunday than Patrick Mahomes was. But, and by the way, he happens to have maybe the greatest offensive mind as his head coach in history. And we're all.

[Alan Hahn]

Can. I can, right?

[Don LaGreca]

Well, you're out of your mind, Alan. He's taking a step back.

[Alan Hahn]

Name two wide receivers that he has on his team. Who, who's, who's all the skill? What's all the skill? Players other than Travis Kelsey.

[Don LaGreca]

I get it. I get it. Hollywood Brow and juju are not.

[Alan Hahn]

He makes you a skill player. He makes you valuable.

[Don LaGreca]

He also has a Hall of Fame tight end, by the way, a fantastic running.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you. But I'm going to go back to your own standard for the list. The guy that keeps you up at night.

[Alan Hahn]

There you go.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And the problem I have with Mahomes at three is that, you know what? Allen will make a mistake. Burrow will make a mistake.

[Don LaGreca]

He's, he's ahead of Allen.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But Mahomes doesn't make the mistake. And, and when watching that game, I'm like, just don't give the Chiefs the ball back because he will get them in field goal range. He will score the touchdown. He does, he does not fumble the ball like Lamar Jackson will. He doesn't throw the bad pick in the end zone the way Allen will. Like so again, it's, it's, it's semantics. It's, you know, we're, we're cut splitting hairs. Three is still great place to be. And I understand he's getting older and I understand he's got Andy Reid and all that, but that's keeping me up at night. If I give him the ball with a chance to win the game, heck, he did it with 13 seconds left on the clock. A few years ago. He is just so dangerous because he just doesn't screw up, Peter. He doesn't mess up.

[Alan Hahn]

I hear you have to be perfect to beat him.

[Don LaGreca]

I hear you. I would argue that if you were to put another very good quarterback into the Chiefs right now, they'd still be a very good football player.

[Alan Hahn]

Don't say it. Don't. Oh my God.

[Don LaGreca]

I think Lamar Jackson disappears. The Ravens fall off a monumental cliff. I think the scheme. Every time you play the Ravens you are only thinking about Lamar Johnson and you still can't stop him. And there's still nothing you can do.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Understood. But you have to still end up winning. Stop themselves.

[Don LaGreca]

That's not true. You don't end up winning. You're factoring playoff games against the best teams in the league. I said in regular season games. Next season where you're adding in the playoffs. We're talking all about the playoffs, which by the way, when you talk about their all time greatness, totally fair. That's in the conversation. I don't know that I've.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm using your math. I'm using your math.

[Don LaGreca]

Go ahead then.

[Alan Hahn]

Joe Burrow can't be number one. He can't be number one. Well, once again, what you, what did you just say? All the stuff that you're going to do in the scheming and this and that, you're still going to beat him. He's still going to beat him.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, in, in the case of Joe Burrow is an exceptional situation because the level to which his team has let him down in last second losses is unlike anything we've ever seen.

[Alan Hahn]

Does he have better wide receivers than Patrick Mahomes?

[Don LaGreca]

Yes, he does.

[Alan Hahn]

Does he have better wide receivers than Lamar Jackson?

[Don LaGreca]

Yes, he does.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Doesn't have the coach.

[Don LaGreca]

So he doesn't have any coach whatsoever. We don't know that he has a head coach.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Here's the scary thing, guys.

[Alan Hahn]

How you don't put Mahomes number one, it doesn't make sense right now. You have to acknowledge it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But we're also, we're also getting caught up. Does the team matter or doesn't it matter? Because like you're going back and forth obviously can only be as good as the team around you. Justin Herbert threw three interceptions this year. So I would think if he had a chance to play under Andy Reid with the Kansas City Chiefs, he'd be on that list. If you were able to play with John Harbaugh and have the best running back in football, you know, Justin Herbert had like clueless Coaches until this year, until Harbaugh took over. So that factors into it. And you talk about rookie years, C.J. stroud, and I know he's in a crappy division and all that. And he's rookie year Peter, he threw for over 4,000 yards, like so. And again, he didn't take that much of a step back in his second year, but it still was a little bit, you know, 3,700 yards, three less touchdowns, and he went from five interceptions his rookie year to 12. So there's a lot that goes into being able to do it on a consistent basis. And you talk about what he did in the playoffs in the Tampa game, converting on fourth down. I agree with you. But, but, but the game matters. If Mayfield doesn't fumble that ball, he's out in the first round, like so. Everything comes down to all the extemporaneous things that happen.

[Don LaGreca]

But outside of just the play, Alan. Alan painted a picture of Patrick Mahomes because he's a. He's a Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City Chiefs sycophant that he's got like a talentless team around him. I. I mean, Kelsey Pacheco, D Hop, Kareem Hunt. Let's not act like this is a bunch of Nobles.

[Alan Hahn]

Kareem Hunt, second time around after going through injuries and everything else. Pacheco, what was he. What Was he? Top 10 draft pick? Where was he taken again? Was he a guy to. Was he a huge. Gotta get this guy Barkley. They're turning guys into talented players who can help them. Hopkins is like 150 years old at this point, right?

[Don LaGreca]

One catch, you're true. Yeah, he did not do much in the championship game, but you're doing.

[Alan Hahn]

This is his offense. He runs it. He controls it. It's his world. That's his universe, that field. And they win all the time because of him. And again, as Don said, it's. It's your choice of words. The guy the night before, you are. You're staying up all night because you're like, how do we beat this guy? And that's Mahomes. Mahomes. You need to take the stake and drive it through his heart. Because if you give him a chance to live, he will kill you.

[Don LaGreca]

The Kansas City Chiefs were incredible this season. We all know that, right? They were almost undefeated for Patrick Mahomes. Lowest yards, lowest TDs, second worst rating since he's become a starter. I'm not saying he's not still awesome, but I think in this year, to have him at three and not one is fair. I think that's where we may be with Patrick Mahomes. And you can't just write off the Andy Reid part of it and give a choose to give Mahomes all the credit for the development of these players. Let's not you want to look at the Eagles roster that andy Reid got 13 wins out of every single season. Donovan McNabb looked like the greatest quarterback who ever lived. I saw him in Washington. He couldn't play professional football. So we do need to give Andy Reid and Spags some credit for where the Kinsey Chiefs are. That's all I'm saying. I think three is still a respectable number for Patrick Mahomes.

[Alan Hahn]

My last point is this is that I won't stand for the Drake May hate. The guy's a Pro Bowler. Why isn't he on?

[Don LaGreca]

By the way, I was going to get to the Pro bowl in ENN earlier. When we come back, we got to at least hit it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Done.

[Don LaGreca]

The people who are playing in this Pro bowl, you know what you'll be you'll be dreaming of Mack McClung in the dunk contest when you see who's playing in the Pro bowl.

[Alan Hahn]

Right? If I. If you, if you were forced to watch one of these events, which is the one that you would would be less painful? The Pro bowl or this?

[Don LaGreca]

Or the dunk contest. Exactly.

[Alan Hahn]

All right, we got that coming up. Your calls and everything else stay with us. But may I right now introduce you to an SUV where everything for every passenger feels just right. It's the all new 2025 Infiniti QX80. It's Infiniti's most luxurious full size three row SUV that's full of customizable and advanced features. Individual audio easily isolates calls or directions to the driver's seat. So when you have to take a private call, it's easy to keep your business personal. 64 customizable shades so you can set the interior to match your mood of the day. Plus it has two rows of heated and cooled massage seats for the ultimate relaxation and luxury. How about if you're feeling parched or hungry and it's summertime and it's hot out, open up the front console cool box for an icy cold drink or a snack. That's right. Keeps it nice and cold. Now that's just a few of the many amazing new features available on the all new Infinity QX80. Discover your just right. Visit InfinityUSA.com to learn more about the all new Infiniti QX80. Availability of features may vary by trim level, packaging and options. I think you're on mute.

[Don LaGreca]

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[Michael Kay]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don LaGreca]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Michael Kay]

Catch this show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Alan Hahn]

All right, Super Box Bonanza 6, everybody. Each qualifier gets to take home an ESPN prize pack and have a chance at one of 10 SuperBox prizes, including a Ninja air fryer, Solo Stove, Ray Band, Meta Wayfarers, and more. We chose 11 for today, right? So be caller number 11 right now at 888-987-ESPN-88987 ESPN to select the box for the big game with a chance to win 250 in the first and third quarters, 500 at halftime, and a final score payout of $1,000. All brought to you by Tullamore Dew, Irish Whiskey and Sloman's Security. So get to calling everybody. So yeah, Peter, this, this Pro bowl thing has been. I mean, Don, honestly, if, if I had. Because I saw the, the contestants for the slam dunk contest and I already made it official for the first time in my lifetime. I am not watching live. He's pulling content. I'm not doing it. So the Pro bowl has become even more of a joke. Why even do it if you're going as far as, well, we need a quarterback. So let's give it to Drake May. Well, it doesn't make any sense, guys.

[Don LaGreca]

Russell Wilson is playing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you do you do realize this is a flag football game?

[Don LaGreca]

Yes, quite literally.

[Alan Hahn]

Pro Bowl. You know, we would say like, like, you know, three time Pro bowl linebacker. Like we say these things as if that's an accomplishment. Now it's like, hey, he was available to come out and play, so we brought him on. That's not. You can't list Pro bowl anymore as an accomplishment on your resume.

[Don LaGreca]

So real quick, so you're telling me. So the, the afc, excuse me. The AFC quarterbacks are Josh Allen, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson. Joe Burrow's going. The other two slots will be played by Russell Wilson and Drake May. So you guys are saying all five of those people will be called Pro Bowlers now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[Don LaGreca]

Ridiculous.

[Alan Hahn]

That's how it is.

[Don LaGreca]

Derek Henry is going to be replaced by James Cook, which is way more legitimate than those quarterback.

[Alan Hahn]

James Cook is real, is at least a real player.

[Don LaGreca]

Zay Flowers for the Ravens will not Play. Brian Thomas Jr. For Jacksonville will play instead. Travis Kelsey isn't playing. Larry Tunsil isn't playing. It just goes on and on. And guys, I mean, I got to say, I'm disappointed by this one. I don't know exactly what the kids thinking was, but Jaden Daniels is not playing in the Pro Bowl. Jaden Daniels has been replaced by BAKER Mayfield. Terry McLaurin is not in the Pro Bowl.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Baker Mayfield is not a bad replacement.

[Alan Hahn]

But no, it's better, way better than Drake May.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you're right, because this will all get forgotten in the wash, right? So years from now, when we get into a debate who's better, somebody's going to look up on Pro Reference Pro Football Reference.com Number of Pro Bowls and try to use that as a weapon to say I'm right, he's better because he went to two Pro Bowls to your guys. One, not realizing that maybe the two Pro Bowls that somebody went to was. He was the 15th backup. And so it is ridiculous. Again, it's a flag football game for people that don't remember, don't care. So there's no way I'd watch it even if everybody played.

[Don LaGreca]

Can I tell you? Let me tell you what I find super confusing about it, though. What I find super confusing is who decides to play and who doesn't. Like, you would think it would be sort of this unit uniform thing now, guys that like the great players don't want to play. But it's not like that. Like for example, St. Brown isn't playing for Detroit. He's being replaced by Malik Neighbors. But Neighbors wants to play. That's pretty cool. CD is not playing, but Mike Evans wants to play. Justin Jefferson, who made the Pro bowl, he's going. George Kittle is going. So you look up and down the list. Nick Bose is going. Micah Parsons is going.

[Alan Hahn]

So give me stars.

[Don LaGreca]

Stars are. But then other. But then other guys just choose not to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's so odd to me, but it is. But to defend Daniels, I mean, this is a kid, a college kid in his first year. He played 20 games. Yeah, that's probably a lot. He's like, you know what? I'm good recovery, you know, so. And again, all Pro Bowl, super bowl participants are exempt. So that, that. So there's that. But again, I can understand a long season. Guys are banged up. Maybe they don't want to go. I just think it's silly. Come up with a list of Pro bowlers. This is our list. Don't play a game. I mean, I. I think it's cringeworthy. I mean, you know how much I love football. But, like, watching all those playoff games and them advertising the Pro bowl, flag football, really, like, do we even have to do something? Have a big cocktail party, you know, present them with some sort of a trophy for going to the Pro Bowl. Be done with it, really. And, you know, the thing is, they don't get a number because people love football, but come on.

[Alan Hahn]

No, you're not getting a number. I think you're right, though, Don. It does have to be like, you know, the NFL end of season awards, right? That's. Every league now does this thing. The NHL was smart. You know, you have make it a night, make it an event, and turn it into something like you would the Oscars. And so you do that. And now the NFL has picked up on that. They're doing it, too, and it's smart. So why not then just announce your. These are our Pro bowl teams. And whoever wants to come, you know, you can take a big photo of everybody. And this is our Pro Bowl. You're. Why do we have to play a game?

[Peter Rosenberg]

And they're still doing a skills competition, so just have that.

[Alan Hahn]

That's fine. That's fine.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Skills competition. At the end of the skills competition, you can have. That's the way they should do the award shows on the Thursday before the Super Bowl. And there's probably logistics behind that. So, look, they get to the super bowl, but. But have the. Have the skills competition. Have a cocktail party after where you give all the awards. Put it on television. Done.

[Don LaGreca]

There you go.

[Alan Hahn]

And that's it. And so. All right, that's us saying it. But I mean, I'm curious how many fans are like, no, I love watching. It's so much fun. If you're into the Pro bowl for some God reason, I'd love to know why. If you need to see them play flag football, why 800-919-3776. Because I find that to be the part. Like, even the NBA All Star Game, what they're doing to it now, like the NHL did, just break it up into small little groups and have these little mini tournaments and try to make it more competitive than the abomination that was last year. It's. It gets to that point now where it used to be a thing to see superstars playing on the same team because we never got to see that. Well, all that stuff's been blown out of the water because we do get to see it now. So it's no longer the novelty it used to be. All Star Games have kind of lost its luster because the novelty was to see that you, you know, the fact that you could have the greatest players in the sport on one team and then more of the greatest players in the sport on another team and have them play against each other in this Super Friends matchup. That was fun. But that kind of goes away now because we've seen so much of it. So our All Star Games have they kind of, as we like to say, jumped the shark? Are they even should you even bother? Just name the team and let's keep it moving. 800-919-3776 more it gets into in the 6 o'clock hour with all of you. We're getting ready for Knicks and Nuggets tonight, Jokic versus Towns and more. So we got calls to get to and more. Stay with us. And Don's got some Mazda, please.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Michael Kay]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good.

[Michael Kay]

Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.